Residents of Kiminini area on Friday protested against police reservists for raping women.
Business was halted in the small township when police engaged locals in running battles.
The residents were demanding justice for three women allegedly raped by police reservists.
The locals barricaded the Kitale-Webuye highway by lighting bonfires.
They said the suspects who were in police custody at Kiminini police station -were released without being taken to court.
“We want justice. The police refused to take the suspects to court. They have colluded with the suspects to defeat justice,” said Richard Situma, a resident.
One of the rape victims who narrated the ordeal said three armed police reservists broke into her home at Masaba area at 2 am on September 4 where they raped her in the presence of her husband and children.
“They broke in to the house after cutting one of the windows where they told my husband to remain silent or else, they would kill all of us. They later robbed us household equipment worth Sh 92, 000 before leaving,” she said.
She said they sought medical treatment in the morning before making an official compliant at the Kiminini police station where they named some of the suspects since they knew them.
“My husband had recognized the face of one of the police reservists who is common in this area. They were rounded up but later released under circumstances we can’t tell,” said the victim.
In separate cases, two women are also reported to have been raped by the same suspects.
A police officer from Kiminini who spoke to Hot News on condition of anonymity said investigations had narrowed on the three police reservists but the case was bungled following interference from some people.
Residents called on the Trans Nzoia County Commissioner to ensure there is an overhaul of the police within the police station and further follow up the rape cases.